- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Gingivitis is a common dental problem in cats caused by plaque buildup. It can cause red, swollen gums that can be seriously uncomfortable for your kitty. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and even affect your cat’s overall health, says Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with Thevets.com. So, it’s essential to seek treatment for gingivitis early.
Below, learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of gingivitis in cats and get tips on supporting your cat’s dental health at home.
5 Signs Your Cat Has Gingivitis
Dr. Savageau outlines these five signs of cat gingivitis. If you notice any of these in your kitty, contact a vet.
- Bad breath: One of the earliest signs of gingivitis is bad breath, which you might notice during cuddle sessions.
- Difficulty eating: Gingivitis can cause mouth pain, which might make your cat reluctant to eat. They might prefer soft foods, eat with their heads turned sideways, or may even refuse to eat altogether.
- Drooling: The pain in your cat’s gums might make it difficult to close their mouth properly, causing them to drool.
- Pawing at the mouth: Your cat might paw at their mouth to soothe their irritation.
- Bleeding: In severe cases, gingivitis can cause your cat’s mouth to bleed from their gums.
What Causes Gingivitis in Cats?
Gingivitis, a common cat dental disease, is caused by plaque buildup on the gingiva, the area where the teeth meet the gums. If plaque isn’t regularly removed, it can migrate deeper toward the tooth’s base and gums. This can cause your cat’s immune system to launch an inflammatory response known as gingivitis.
In some cats, the oral inflammation extends past just the gums and affects other parts of their mouth, like the inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth. This is a condition called feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS,) otherwise known as chronic gingivitis.
FCGS can cause painful, inflamed gums that persist for months or even years. It’s estimated that FCGS could affect 0.7% to 12.0% of all cats, which is more common in multi-cat homes.
It’s unknown why some cats develop this form of chronic gingivitis while others don’t, but experts believe it might be an inappropriate immune response.
How Soon Should You See a Vet About Gingivitis in Cats?
If you suspect your cat has gingivitis, make a vet appointment right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Savageau says mild cases may improve with home dental care, but moderate to severe gingivitis usually needs professional treatment. “Without intervention, it can progress to periodontal disease, causing pain, tooth loss, and potential systemic health issues due to bacteria entering the bloodstream,” she adds.
Luckily, most cats respond well to early gingivitis treatment and don’t develop more serious issues.
iStock/Vasyl Dolmatov
How Will Your Vet Treat Your Cat’s Gingivitis?
Vets typically treat gingivitis with a professional deep cleaning to remove the excess plaque from their gums.” This involves the cat being placed under anesthesia to ensure safe and thorough cleaning,” Dr. Savageau says. “The vet will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, including above and below the gum line.”
When the cleaning is complete, the vet might place a sealant on the cat’s teeth to guard against future dental diseases. Suppose the initial cleaning doesn’t lead to an improvement in a cat’s symptoms. In that case, the vet may recommend more extensive cleanings or additional tests to see if another dental issue could be responsible for their symptoms.
In severe cases, the vet may also need to pull damaged teeth. But most cats will respond well to deep cleaning.
In cats with FCGS, the disease can continue to flare up throughout a cat’s life and cause lifelong tooth pain and inflammation. So, the usual treatment for this condition is to remove a cat’s premolar and molar teeth. That said, newer treatment options that don’t require tooth extraction are progressing, like stem cell therapy.
What Does Gingivitis Treatment Cost?
A professional dental cleaning from a vet can range in cost from around $430-$645.
The cost of extractions can vary, but according to pet insurance companies, they can typically range between $50-$150 per tooth. You may also need to pay for anesthetics, which can vary depending on how much your cat weighs.
A pet insurance plan that includes dental expenses might cover the cost of your cat’s treatment. But check with your provider first.
Is There Anything You Can Do At Home to Soothe Gingivitis?
While home care can’t fully treat gingivitis, Dr. Savageau says it could help them feel more comfortable until they can get to the vet.
She outlines the following methods to support your cat’s dental health until you can get an appointment.
- Tooth brushing: Brushing your cat’s teeth at home could fight off plaque buildup until you can get a professional cleaning.
- Feeding soft food: If your cat finds crunching dry food difficult, soft wet foods might help them eat more efficiently.
- Dental gels: Applying a pain-relieving dental gel to your cat’s gums could help them find temporary relief.
- Warm compress: If your cat will allow it, try soaking a washcloth in warm water and applying it to their jaw to relieve the gum discomfort.
iStock/Nils Jacobi
How Can You Prevent Gingivitis in Cats?
The best way to prevent gingivitis from forming in the first place is by giving your cat regular dental care. For most cats, that usually means brushing their teeth regularly to remove plaque buildup.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for brushing your cat’s teeth.
- Grab a cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Get your cat used to the feel of the dry toothbrush and the taste of the toothpaste.
- Set your cat in your lap or somewhere comfortable, like the couch.
- Brush your cat’s teeth and gumline in small, circular motions.
- Repeat 2-3 times per week to maintain your cat’s pearly whites.
If your cat doesn’t like their mouth touched, that’s ok. Consider giving them daily dental treats or using a dental paste to fight plaque instead.
Gingivitis can be painful for your kitty. But with proper dental care, you can prevent mouth and gum diseases and help your cat’s teeth return to their pearly white selves.
